Published: 4 Sep 2014
The MUA, in conjunction with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, has invited two Sinn Fein leaders to Australia as supporters of the Irish party’s cause.
One of the leaders was Sinn Fein Vice President Mary Lou McDonald, who is tipped to take over the party upon Gerry Adams’ retirement.
Prior to meeting with other unions at the CFMEU building, McDonald headed up a women’s activist meeting with women attending from AMWU, ASU, CFMEU, Unions NSW and of course, the MUA’s National Women’s Liaison Officer Mich-Elle Myers.
Myers said it was very inspiring to hear of Mary Lou's struggles and to see her overcome them to become a woman in a frontline position making a difference.
“We also heard about the atrocities that occurred, particularly in Ireland, in the Magdalene Laundries,” she said.
“It was a compelling discussion about the tactics often employed under the banner of religion, to keep women oppressed.
“Although the laundries are now closed and the game has changed, similar tactics are still used in other arenas, including the political one.”
